“The Beginning of the End” is an installation of documentary photography showcasing the bravery of Iraqi soldiers preparing for combat in the most difficult battle in the war against ISIS. Faced with the reality of a 50 percent casualty rates, Iraqis join the Counter Terrorism Services to confront the scourge of modern history in Mosul. Telling their story is important in helping the world understand the journey of these brave soldiers. A journey from which many never returned. 

In 2017, a class of Iraqi Counter Terrorism Service (CTS) commandos stood together for a graduation that marked not just the end of grueling training but the beginning of a fight few could imagine. For these soldiers, graduating wasn’t just a personal triumph; it was the threshold into the devastating battle against ISIS to reclaim Mosul—a fight where survival wasn’t guaranteed. During the operation to liberate Mosul, CTS units endured staggering casualties of nearly 50 percent. Many soldiers faced not only the prospect of death but, for those who survived, the irreversible impact of trauma and loss. Their lives would never be the same.

This exhibition captures a powerful, often unseen, moment at the commencement of these soldiers' journey, showing the complex emotions present: pride in their achievement, determination, and the solemn awareness of what lay ahead. These images are a window into a place few civilians in Georgia have seen, reflecting the severe reality of ISIS’s impact and the courageous fight of those defending their homeland. While the themes of ISIS and the wars in the Middle East may be familiar in passing, they are often distant. This exhibition brings that world into focus, allowing viewers to witness the faces and stories of Iraqi soldiers risking everything to protect their country and the world from a relentless threat.